Penile itching can be felt on the shaft of the penis, the glans or the foreskin (i.e. the prepuce), which can be quite uncomfortable. It can have various causes, such as inflammation, infection or certain skin conditions. Depending on the cause, some other signs and symptoms that may accompany itching include penile discharge, swelling, inflammation, eruptions/rash on the penis, peeling of the skin, pain/burning during urination, and painful intercourse. The various causes of penile itching are as follows:
1. Fungal or yeast infection (also known as thrush/candidiasis): Yeast infection on the penis is caused by a fungus known as candida. It tends to cause signs and symptoms including itching of the penis along with redness, swelling, white spots or red spots on the glans, cracks in the foreskin, thick white discharge under the foreskin, burning sensation while urinating and pain during sexual intercourse.
2. Certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs): It primarily includes genital herpes (caused by Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV, leading to blisters i.e. fluid-filled bumps on the genitals). The second example of STD is genital warts (growths on the genitals that develop due to the human papillomavirus – HPV). Another STD is chlamydia (caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis).
3. Balanitis: It refers to the inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce i.e. the foreskin. It leads to signs and symptoms including redness, swelling, itching of the head of the penis/glans, pain in the glans, thick discharge under the foreskin, ulcers on the head of the penis, painful urination and a bad odor on the penis .
4. Eczema of the penis: This is indicated by inflamed skin of the penis, along with dryness, itching or fluid-filled bumps or the appearance of a crust on the penis.
5. Contact dermatitis: It is a reaction of the skin of the penis to products such as certain soaps, fabrics or latex condoms.
6. Psoriasis: a skin condition that causes inflamed red patches with flaking.
7. Scabies: An itchy skin condition that occurs when tiny mites form burrows on the surface of the skin.
8. Lichen Planus: A skin condition that causes purple, flattened bumps on the skin.
9. Lichen Nitidus: It refers to an inflammation of the skin cells, resulting in small fleshy, flattened bumps on various parts of the body, including possibly the penis.
10. Ingrown hairs: This happens when the hair grows in at the base of the penis and causes itching.
11. Urethritis: It is the inflammation of the urethra. It causes symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, discharge from the urethra, itching at the opening of the penis, or blood in the urine or semen.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can be a great help for itching and redness of the penis. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in relieving this complaint by treating its cause. Once the cause is treated, long-term relief occurs. Besides itching and redness, these medications also help relieve other associated symptoms such as swelling/inflammation of the penis, eruptions/rash on the penis, and flaking of the skin. These medicines are free from any side effects as they are prepared from natural substances. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for penile itching is selected based on the individual symptoms and the reason behind the itching. It is advisable to always have your case assessed by a homeopathic doctor for the correct diagnosis and prescription. Self-medication should be avoided.
Homeopathic medicines for penile itching
1. Sulfur – For itching on glans and foreskin
Sulfur is an effective medicine against itching of the glans and foreskin. In addition to itching, stabbing pain can also be felt in the penis. In some cases, ulcers are present on the penis, glans or foreskin. The glans and foreskin can be very cold. Redness and a burning sensation can be felt on the foreskin. Sometimes swelling and cuts may be present on the foreskin when this medicine is needed.
2. Croton Tiglium – with fluid-filled eruptions (vesicles)
This medicine is recommended for itching of the penis and glans, along with fluid-filled bumps. The bumps may also extend to the scrotum. The itching is intense, but scratching is painful. The eruptions are tender and painful to the touch (painful). The bumps occur in clusters (in multiple numbers that appear in groups). In some cases, eruptions are pus-filled. The eruptions tend to crack and form crusts over time.
3. Thuja – For itchy inner surface of foreskin with warts
This medicine works well in treating itching on the inside of the foreskin with the presence of warts. Red warts occur on the inner surface of the foreskin when necessary. The warts are of the small pointed type. A burning sensation occurs in the area between the foreskin and the glans. Ulcers or fluid-filled eruptions may be present on the glans penis.
4. Nitric Acid – For balanitis with itching
This medicine is recommended if there is an inflamed foreskin. Small fluid-filled eruptions develop on the foreskin that are very itchy. These eruptions open after some time and become covered with scabs. A burning sensation may occur. Small ulcers may also form on the inner surface of the foreskin, which secrete a foul-smelling fluid.
5. Hepar Sulph – For itchy herpes outbreaks
Hepar Sulph is a useful medicine for cases of herpes eruptions and itching. In cases where this medicine is needed, small fluid-filled eruptions occur in groups, especially on the foreskin. The eruptions appear white with a red base, accompanied by excessive itching. The eruptions are also sensitive to touch.
6. Mezereum – For itchy glans
This medicine is well indicated for treating itching of the glans penis. This causes a stinging and prickling sensation in the penis and glans. Swelling is seen on the penis. This is accompanied by a heated feeling in the penis. Discharge of watery mucus may occur from the urethra, along with pain when touching the urethra.
7. Cinnabaris – For itchy glans with red pimples
This medicine is useful in treating itching on the glans penis with red pimples. The pimples are small in size. The foreskin may be red and swollen. In some cases, warts may appear on the foreskin that tend to bleed easily.
8. Natrum Mur – For itching and stinging sensation on the glans
This medicine can be used for itching accompanied by a stinging sensation on the glans penis, sometimes also on the scrotum. A crawling sensation is felt on the glans. A thin fluid may be drained from the urethra.
9. Rhus Tox – For itching on the inner surface of the foreskin
This medicine can be considered for itching on the inside of the foreskin. A stabbing sensation may occur. The foreskin and glans are also swollen and appear dark red. Pain is felt in the glans. There may be water-filled bumps on the glans.
10. Natrum Sulph – For itching of penis, glans and scrotum
Natrum Sulph can be used for itching of the penis, glans and scrotum. After scratching, a burning sensation is felt on the glans and scrotum. Swelling of the foreskin and scrotum may be present. In some cases, warts may appear on the genitals with greenish discharge.
11. Silicea – For red, itchy foreskin
This medicine helps in cases of red, itchy foreskin. There is also swelling on the foreskin. Fluid-filled eruptions may be present. In addition to sweating, there may also be itchy spots on the scrotum.